Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.
We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.
At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
Managing Director Marine
Location: Southampton
Competitive Salary Plus bonus
Company Car
Lead the Future of Marine Aggregates in the UK
This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a strategically critical, asset‑intensive marine business at the heart of Heidelberg Materials UK
As Managing Director Marine, you will lead a highly visible and strategically critical division, shaping commercial success while championing fleet performance, safety excellence and sustainability transformation. With full P&L ownership and statutory Director accountability, the role provides exceptional scope, authority and influence.
This is a critical leadership role responsible for shore‑based and ship‑based operations, commercial performance, marine fleet efficiency, and long‑term business sustainability. The role operates as a statutory Director and works closely with UK and Group leadership to deliver the marine strategy.
Direct Reports:
- Marine Operations Manager & Deputy CSO
- Fleet Technical Operations Manager
- Senior Finance Manager
- Commercial & Logistics Manager
- Marine Resources Strategy Manager
- 17 shore‑based staff (Southampton)
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and develop the Marine senior leadership team to deliver performance objectives
- Define and deliver a five‑year operating plan aligned to the UK and national business strategy
- Provide clear leadership, direction and succession planning across the Marine organisation
- Act as a key member of the UK senior leadership community
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
- Hold full accountability for Health & Safety across all shore and vessel operations
- Deliver best‑in‑class safety performance aligned to Heidelberg Materials’ Health & Safety Plan
- Drive continuous improvement culture across marine and office‑based operations
Commercial & Financial Performance
- Full P&L responsibility for the Marine Division
- Lead customer and market strategy to optimise shipping capacity, market share and margin
- Manage working capital, debt exposure and commercial risk
- Set, manage and forecast annual budgets; ensure strong financial controls and reporting
Operational & Fleet Management
- Accountable for all marine fleet operations, production efficiency and cost control
- Drive continuous operational improvement and productivity across the fleet
- Ensure optimal resource planning and asset availability
- Oversee quality performance in collaboration with technical functions
Environmental & Sustainability
- Deliver environmental objectives aligned to the Environmental Management Plan
- Lead fleet decarbonisation initiatives and associated investment projects
- Manage marine ETS compliance and stakeholder engagement
Compliance & Governance
- Fulfil statutory duties as a Company Director
- Ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory and company obligations
- Maintain high standards of governance, audit, and risk management
Investment & Capex
- Evaluate, develop and submit capital investment proposals
- Accountable for delivery, control and post‑investment performance review
Candidate Profile
Experience & Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- SHE NVQ Level 5 (or working towards)
- Minimum 10 years’ senior operational leadership experience
- Proven leadership of multi‑site, asset‑intensive operations
- Demonstrable experience managing large‑scale capital investment projects end‑to‑end
- Strong commercial, financial and strategic capability
Leadership Attributes
- Authoritative, values‑led leader with strong marine or industrial credibility
- Commercially astute with a performance‑driven mindset
- Experienced in stakeholder management at Board, regulatory and customer level
- Committed to safety, sustainability and continuous improvement
Why Join us?
At Heidelberg Materials, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people.
Rewards & Benefits
We’re proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice, with accreditations including:
- Armed Forces Covenant (Gold) | Disability Confident | 5% Club (Platinum) | Mates in Mind | Clear Assured | STEM Ambassador | MPQC Member
- Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance
- Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options, Season and travel ticket loans
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause
- Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more)
- Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities